Who's Leading 4A? Kansas Contenders Are Starting to Separate

Here's one final look at 4A across Kansas as the postseason begins to heat up and take center stage. Several programs have positioned themselves for a legitimate run at a state championship this spring, and the race feels as competitive as it has all season. With March right around the corner, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at a handful of the true contenders — the teams that have started to separate themselves — and break down what makes each of them so dangerous when the stakes are at their highest.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rock Creek</h3>   Record: 20-0   Key Wins: Eudora, Hays, Concordia, at Silver Lake, at Concordia   I think many would point to Rock Creek as the favorite to win it all this March. Still unblemished and rarely even tested to this point in the season, they've been completely dominant.   What separates them starts on the defensive end. They suffocate opponents with how connected and in sync they play. Whether it's picking teams up full court or applying pressure in the half court, they force turnovers and immediately turn that defensive intensity into offense. Their ability to speed teams up and capitalize in transition has been a constant theme all year.   While they have quality depth and several players who thrive in their roles, they're led by three main pieces: Gavin Rosa, [player_tooltip player_id='2873530' first='Logan' last=''] Klingenberg, and [player_tooltip player_id='2205759' first='Porter' last='Gill']. Rosa is the team's top shooter and provides a steady offensive spark, capable of stretching the floor and swinging momentum quickly. Klingenberg's length and activity make a major impact defensively — he alters shots as a rim protector and rotates well as a help-side defender. He also runs the floor hard and looks to finish at the rim in transition. Then there's Gill, another dynamic perimeter threat who can score in bunches and adds yet another layer to their attack.   When you put it all together, what makes Rock Creek so dangerous isn't just the individual talent — it's how each of those pieces fully buys into the team's identity.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Atchison</h3>   Record: 19-0   Key Wins: at Eudora, at Washington, at Junction City   I think many expected Atchison to be competitive this season, but being undefeated in mid-February might have felt like a stretch back in November. Yet here they are. The Phoenix look every bit like a team built for a deep postseason run.   They have strong depth and play a style that allows their athletes to get up and down the floor. With quick, explosive guards and legitimate size on the interior, they can match up with just about anyone. More importantly, they're versatile enough to adjust and take advantage of the different looks opposing programs throw at them.   Yogi Purdy has been a steady presence inside, giving them a strong and agile scorer who can also anchor the defense. On the wing, [player_tooltip player_id='2245740' first='Kael' last='Williams'] brings length and athleticism, impacting the game as a defender while also excelling in transition as a powerful and dynamic finisher.   What may have truly pushed this group to another level, though, is the emergence of freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2878765' first='Trey'Von' last='Gillum']. He wasted little time adjusting to the high school level and has confidently displayed his scoring ability. Gillum is a knockdown shooter who can pull up from well beyond the arc, and off the bounce he's just as comfortable rising up for a mid-range jumper as he is attacking the rim.   Add in several other experienced contributors both inside and on the perimeter, and you have a team that looks destined to be one of the last ones standing — and very possibly the one cutting down the nets when it's all said and done.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bishop Miege</h3>   Record: 13-8   Key Wins: Lincoln Prep, Life Prep   If you want to talk about a team that has truly challenged itself and will be battle-tested entering the postseason, look no further than Bishop Miege. The Stags should look much different this March compared to a year ago.   They found success early in the season but have since navigated a stretch of tough contests in the ultra-competitive Eastern Kansas League. That level of competition has forced them to grow up quickly. They own several quality wins and have gone toe-to-toe with teams expected to make deep runs in higher classifications — proof that they can compete with just about anyone.   Miege is guard-heavy, boasting depth and multiple players capable of filling it up offensively. [player_tooltip player_id='2820764' first='Keenan' last='Poulsen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2205719' first='Liam' last='Tesmer'] both handle the ball and initiate the offense effectively. Poulsen, in particular, has proven to be an efficient and dynamic scorer, stretching defenses with his outside shooting while also attacking gaps and finishing as a driver. Tesmer thrives in the open floor, playing with an edge on both ends. He's athletic, confident, and comfortable leading the charge.   [player_tooltip player_id='3271831' first='Keyvonte' last='Hudson'] has delivered some massive performances this season, showing he's a true scorer in every sense. His quickness and elusiveness with the ball, combined with his ability to heat up in a hurry, make him a constant threat. Jayden McDaniel is another backcourt name to watch. He shoots it efficiently from deep and often takes on the challenge of guarding top offensive players, bringing real value on the defensive end.   With their depth, experience, and the level of competition they've faced, don't be surprised if Miege makes a serious push — and maybe even goes further than many expect.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pratt</h3>   Record: 18-2   Key Wins: at Great Bend, at Hoisington   One of the stronger 4A teams in Kansas right now is Pratt. In their wins, they haven't just edged teams — they've run away from them, overpowering and outlasting opponents with a physical, relentless style. At the same time, they've shown they can compete with high-level competition, most recently dropping a tight battle to perennial power Hesston. That kind of test only adds to their postseason credibility.   The Greenbacks feature two of the better players in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='2328078' first='Arley' last='Morrell'] and Caleb Strong. Morrell brings a physical, athletic presence that allows him to dominate the paint. He's posted some eye-popping numbers in multiple games, proving he can take over on both ends of the floor. His rebounding ability stacks up with just about anyone in 4A, and around the rim he's a relentless, powerful finisher.   Strong complements him perfectly. He stretches the floor with consistent shooting range and needs very little space to get his shot off. Beyond that, he's grown as a driver, showing comfort getting to his left hand and keeping defenders off balance.   Add in a legitimate third option in Landon Demuth, and it's easy to see why the top of their rotation gives them a real chance. If matchups break the right way, Pratt has all the pieces to make a deep run in March — and they won't be an easy out for anyone.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Baldwin</h3>   Record: 14-6   Key Wins: at Spring Hill, Eudora, Ottawa   Baldwin has dropped a few games this season that, on paper, they probably shouldn't have. Entering the year with high expectations, they were hit early by injuries that disrupted their rhythm and continuity. That stretch clearly took a toll. Now, with the roster healthy and momentum starting to build again, the Bulldogs look like a team capable of making another deep run at state.   On paper, they check a lot of boxes. They have size, experience, and versatility — all critical traits for a group that should be able to match up with just about anyone in 4A.   [player_tooltip player_id='2403183' first='Leo' last='Schoenberger'] has been a steady force all season. He's carried much of the offensive responsibility, showcasing an impressive skill set. With his size and shooting ability, he stretches the floor and can get to his shot almost whenever he wants. His length and athleticism shine in transition and when attacking off the bounce, where he's capable of finishing well above the rim. Add in his activity as a defender and rebounder, and his impact becomes truly well-rounded. He's the type of player who can take over a game on both ends.   [player_tooltip player_id='1624974' first='Cooper' last='Carr'] has been a household name at Baldwin for years, collecting accolades and recognition along the way. Lately, he may be playing his best basketball of the season — particularly as a scorer and playmaker. His size combined with his ball-handling ability makes him incredibly valuable. He can break defenders down off the bounce, absorb contact, and stay aggressive in ball-screen situations. Carr also gives the Bulldogs another perimeter shooter who complements Schoenberger well.   Inside, [player_tooltip player_id='2327579' first='Colton' last='Collum'] provides the physical presence needed to consistently score around the rim and defend opposing post threats they're likely to see in the postseason.   If Baldwin continues trending upward with a healthy roster, this is a team no one will want to see when March basketball intensifies.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Concordia</h3>   Record: 15-4   Key Wins: at Colby, at Beloit   The most under-the-radar team on this list, Concordia has already shown it can hang with top competition — they've played Rock Creek closer than any other team so far this season. That performance alone gives them a legitimate case to make a postseason push, though they'll need to play their very best basketball to get there.   The Panthers' firepower comes from three players who can make a real impact: Ayden Krier, Chane Parker, and Ian Loudermilk. Parker is a strong, athletic forward who protects the rim, cleans up the glass, and provides reliable scoring inside. Loudermilk gives them a perimeter threat, consistently knocking down shots whether in the half court or in transition, and he often steps up to take crucial shots when the team needs them most. Krier rounds out the trio as an athletic lead guard capable of handling the ball, slashing to the rim, or knocking down perimeter shots as needed.   The key question for Concordia will be their postseason draw — who they face and when could have a huge impact on how far they go. With their talent and balance, though, they certainly have the pieces to make some noise in March.

Here's one final look at 4A across Kansas as the postseason begins to heat up and take center stage. Several programs have positioned themselves for a legitimate run at a state championship this spring, and the race feels as competitive as it has all season. With March right around the corner, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at a handful of the true contenders — the teams that have started to separate themselves — and break down what makes each of them so dangerous when the stakes are at their highest.